Supermarket parking lot was scene of drug deal, say Worcester police

WORCESTER — Two men were arrested Thursday afternoon after an investigation into drug deliveries in the parking lot of a local Price Chopper supermarket.

Nelson Pacheco, 54, of Worcester was arrested after Worcester Police Vice Squad members searched his home after watching what appeared to be a drug delivery outside the Cambridge Street store.

Police said the vice squad was conducting surveillance on Mr. Pacheco after receiving a tip that he was delivering drugs to others in the parking lot. Police said they saw him parked in the lot in his gray Subaru wagon. They then saw Jeffrey Plikunas, 36, of Dudley pull into the parking lot next to Mr. Pacheco, get out of his black Nissan Murano and join Mr. Pacheco in his car for about 15 seconds before returning to his own car and driving off.

When police stopped Mr. Plikunas, they allegedly found four plastic bags with a total of $3,000 worth of 30-milligram Percocet pills. They then stopped Mr. Pacheco, who had $3,000 and two cell phones on his seat. A search of Mr. Pacheco's apartment on Irene Street turned up another 24 Percocet pills and $8,623. Both men were arrested.

Mr. Pacheco was charged with distribution of Percocet, possession of Percocet with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws. Mr. Plikunas was charged with possession of Percocet with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to violated controlled substance laws.